“I observed how GAF invests in their co-ops: from the multiple trainings we receive at the plant to flying all co-ops to Dallas Corporate for their final presentations, getting to meet senior leadership – it’s a much more personal business. You don’t see that at very many places.”

Holly Frost is currently a Process Engineer at our Baltimore, MD plant. She co-op’d as a Project Engineer during her junior year in the Baltimore manufacturing facility for two semesters. She had a prior co-op experience at GE. After graduating with a Mechanical Engineering degree from University of Florida in 2014, she joined the GAF team full-time.

Q: What did you notice about the GAF co-op that really stood out to you or made an impact?

I observed how GAF invests in their co-ops: from the multiple trainings we receive at the plant to flying all co-ops to Dallas Corporate for their final presentations, getting to meet senior leadership- it’s a much more personal business. You don’t see that at very many places. At my final presentation, I was able to meet the Sr. VP’s of operations. The projects were very impactful and meaningful. I was able to make an impact on not just engineering, but also on aspects of safety and quality. I had a chance to solve real business problems. Co-ops are treated as a valuable member of the team. A major benefit of this program is that we don’t just throw students out into projects as a test where some may fail; instead, we want to see them succeed and become a member of the Company. Managers set achievable goals and help students get acclimated to the manufacturing setting.

Q: What made you decide to come work at GAF after your co-op?

A: GAF does a great job of keeping the employees informed on the state of the business; this ended up being a big factor in my decision to work here. Our senior leadership does a formal update quarterly, but our location does a great job on updates as well. The other significant factor for me was that GAF’s products are adding value to society; it’s really important to know that I work for a company that is manufacturing vital, worthwhile, quality products. An additional piece is that there’s room for growth and the Company really promotes training and development.

Q: You were once a co-op, you’ve started work at GAF, and now you’re actually managing co-ops yourself. Are you enjoying it?

A: It’s great- I’m able to really relate with the student. I find myself remembering what I was told, what I learned, what I experienced- and then make sure I remember to tell our co-ops so that they have the most engaging experience. I was one of the first co-ops in our Baltimore program, and since then, we continuously look to refine and optimize even the finest points. We ask our co-ops- what can we do better, what worked really well, and what new ideas people have.

Q: What advice would you give to students considering a co-op at GAF?

A: Get what you want out of it; make the most out of your experience. It’s a two way street. While GAF is trying to see if you’re a good fit for the role and culture, you should be doing the same.

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